Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1887-08-25

down the room like a tiger in u
cage.
"On my own land, In my own
woods. My own daughtcrl" he
gaspcd, ut intervals. Aud then
stopped in front of her. with: "Did
you say Gil Morse knocked him
DOWN."
"Ycs, father"
"And saved yei'
"Yes, father; and hc brought me
home in his cutter"
And drove him away like n
dog or tramp this very afternoon"
roarcd the squire. I'm drive them
all away. III shoot 'em on sight
They'll burn me out of house and
home next
Milly's mother had her arm around
her almost Historically, but her cx-
element was oalmness itself com.
pared to the all but ludierous frenzy
of the old man.
Lack of love for his own had new
CT been changed upon him, what
ever were his other faults.
The events Of the afternoon had
not, moreover been of sort to in.
ducc any unusual quietude in the
blood of young fellow like Gilbert
Morse.
His expected supper and evening
at Squire Van Vlccck's having
been SO unceremoniously put out of
the question, his after thoughts
equally forbade and immediate
drive home, for that would bc ten
miles at least.
Just over the hill, and less than
three miles from the Van Vlccck
homestead, was a pleasant country
hostelry, and there Gil naturally be
took himself for supper aud horse
care.
This attended TO, hc said 10 the
landlord, and old acquaintance,
"Al, can you keep n secrcti"
Did once" replied Al.
Then lend me your shotgun, Z"
said Gil, and, with the request, he
added nm account Of his exploit on
the roa !, and the differences between
himself and the Squire.
Cant go TO the house, you see,
Al, but I'm bound to know If that
rascal rs loaiing around there"
I'D go with you in moment if
could get away" almost shouted the
landlord. "Gun1 Yes, two on 'em,
If you want. ] wish my wife wasn't
sick. II won't do for you "a arrest
him all alone, and without any war
rant, but try for chance 10 fill him
full Of buckshot."
AIS notion Of law may have been
somewhat original, but his meaning
was full Of public spirit.
IL was some what dark when Gil
bert Morse began to retrace, on
foot, the road he had so recently
driven over, for the moon was not
yet over the hills, but he felt all the
better for having the doublc.barrelcd
duck gun over his shoulder.
Better than a pistol for night
work" he said TO himself.
He did not keep the road up to
the homestead, bot made a detour
through the woods and came out
beyond, not far from the saw.mill.
Better go on toward the main
road, he muttered; "its early yet,
and he's likely to come in from that
direction"
"IIullow he exclaimed, a moment
later, as he stood among the shelter.
ing shadows of a clump Of trees,
"three Of 'eml The big fellows the
same one. They're making straight
for the saw-mill. Bent on mischief,
not a doubt Of il.
There was no earthly reason for
any doubt.
The big tramp had met his two
associates returning from an cxpc-
dition somewhat more successful
than his own, and they had prompt.
ly agreed with him that the circuni
stances called for the inhiction Of
the extreme penalties known to the
laws Of heir guild.
That is, in short, fire, and a. much
plumber as possible.
II was already getting well into
the evening, and rural retiring hours
arc nOtoriously early.
Not that slumber was likely to
come very promptly to the Van
VIeeck family that night though the
Squire had calmcd down a good
deal and was unusually silent.
Mrs. Van Nlecck had kept very
close 10 her daughter 40 the even.
ing, and had taken the precaution
to bring the dogs, both large ones,
into the house
The dogs and family might be
the safer, but how about trampss
The big rufliau, as has been said
was not without some traces Of a
vicious intellect. and was quite com.
petcut 10 be the leader OF little az.
fair like that
Set the mill first" ho said. "An
the men folks'll start for il to put il
out. Then the barns, 10 call away
tie rest, and we kin woh, the house
quick and get to thc woods and over
the bills as safe as so many foxes.
So they could, indeed, n no mis-.
hap came in 20 interfere. The house
folks must BE- in bcd now.
A match, some kindlings and bit.
Of wood, on the opposite side Of the
7 "a " mill froun ffa hruea sotk....